MS NOW’s longest serving anchor is out as network fills schedule with podcasts

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MS NOW is making significant changes to its weekend lineup by focusing more on podcasts, taped programming, and external partnerships. This shift will also mark the end of Alex Witt’s nearly thirty-year tenure at the network.

Rebecca Kutler, the chief of MS NOW, announced on Friday that the network is restructuring its weekend strategy to invest in its direct-to-consumer business, expand content partnerships, and reorganize programming. These changes will result in a small number of layoffs.

One of the major changes is the departure of Alex Witt, a long-standing anchor at the network. Witt, who has been with the company for almost three decades, will be leaving later this year. Variety first reported on Witt’s exit.

Alex Witt is leaving MS NOW later this year after nearly thirty years on the air. AP

A spokesperson for MS NOW confirmed the Variety report and mentioned that there are around 40 open positions across the network, with more than a dozen expected to be posted in the coming weeks.

“After nearly three decades, Alex Witt has informed us of her decision to end her time with the company later this year, following an exceptional career,” Kutler stated in a memo to staff.

Kutler commended Witt as “a cherished long-time member of our MS NOW family” who “anchored more hours on MS NOW than any other anchor in our network’s history.”

Kutler acknowledged Witt’s role in covering significant national events such as the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

Antonia Hylton will take over Witt’s weekend afternoon slot later this summer.

Witt will depart the network later this year as part of a major weekend programming overhaul. FilmMagic

The network’s weekend schedule will now feature more taped programming, including existing podcasts like “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” and “Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes.”

Additionally, MS NOW plans to announce new external content partnerships in the coming weeks, building on its collaboration with Crooked Media.

These changes reflect a broader strategy to focus on podcasts, content partnerships, and the direct-to-consumer business. The live programming will continue to air about 20 hours every weekend, with an expanded breaking news operation.

MS NOW is reshaping its weekend lineup to emphasize podcasts, content partnerships, and its direct-to-consumer business. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The network’s relationship with Crooked Media, founded by former Obama aides, is deepening as well. Crooked Media, known for “Pod Save America,” has expanded into video programming and left-leaning political shows.

The Post has reached out to both MS NOW and Crooked Media for comments.